This is the 20th in a daily series of in-depth evaluations on the top 40 prospects leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft, which runs April 26-28. Today: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

Strengths: Martin is a strong, powerful back who has uncommon quickness and big-play ability. He is similar to the Baltimore Ravens' Ray Rice and will be either a late first-round or early second-round pick.

Martin is productive and punishing when running inside. He shows the flexibility to lower his shoulders and make himself a smaller target. He excels at getting a shoulder down to deliver blows to would-be tacklers. This skill, combined with his strength and balance, enables him to gain yards after initial contact.

Martin's quick feet and agility sets himself apart from many power backs. He moves and slides well within tight quarters, avoiding defenders to find open field. He also displays patience, waiting on blockers' hips. He makes quick cuts off blocks that enable him to swiftly get through holes.

Martin's patience, combined with his vision, makes him an effective cutback runner. His size, strength, balance and aggressive running style all make it difficult for opponents to bring him down in open field. His quick change of direction enables him to consistently elude defenders.

Martin also proved to be a reliable part of Boise State's passing attack. He catches the ball well and then is able to quickly tuck it away and start downfield after the catch. He also stays on the field in passing situations because of his technique and production in pass protection.

Looking at his final two seasons with the Broncos, Martin was productive. He followed that up with a stellar week of practice at the Senior Bowl. As a result of his outstanding performance in Mobile, Ala., he is steadily climbed draft boards. (Vital statistics: 5-9, 223 pounds, 4.52 in the 40-yard dash)

Weaknesses: Although Martin is quick and has above-average athleticism for a powerful back, he lacks the elite burst and speed to turn the corner. After making many big plays at Boise State, he lacks the elite speed to outrun angles in the NFL. Opponents will be able to track him down from behind.

As a receiver, Martin primarily ran short routes to the flat, as he was more of a dump-off option than a downfield one. For Martin to become an asset in any passing attack, he must improve at running routes.

Draft status: Martin will be one of the first three or four players drafted because of his ability to be a productive three-down back. He is the type of prospect who often gets overlooked because he lacks elite burst and top-end speed. However, if given the opportunity, Martin might turn out to be the most prolific back taken in 2012, thanks to his physical inside running style and good hands.

Expect both the Green Bay Packers (No. 28 overall) and New York Giants (No. 32) to consider taking Martin in the first round. The Packers won a Super Bowl without an elite back, but they would like to get a strong and physical runner who can stay on the field for three downs. The Giants released Brandon Jacobs because he would not take a pay cut and could use a power back to pair with Ahmad Bradshaw.

If Martin slips out of the first round, several teams might try to trade up into the first five picks of the second round in order to draft him. If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers don't draft Alabama running back Trent Richardson at No. 5 overall, Martin might be in play for them at No. 36.